Seat Air Cushion Pulsation Module for High-Frequency Massage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cushion assemblies for vehicle seats are mechanically sluggish, limiting the frequency of vibrations and resulting in an uncomfortable massage experience due to insufficient realization of the actual massage effect.
Innovation Solution
A pulsation module is introduced, comprising a pneumatic element connected in a pressure-equalized manner to an air supply line and an actuating element that changes the volume of the pneumatic element to generate high-frequency vibrations, allowing for independent control of pulsation frequencies and phases across individual air cushions, separate from the main air supply system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanical air supply system is used to generate vibrations in air cushions, then the system structure is simple, but the vibration frequency is limited and the massage effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a central air supply system for basic pressurization and decentralized pulsation modules for high-frequency vibrations. Each air cushion receives air from the central system and can independently generate pulsations through its own pulsation module, enabling high vibration frequencies without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A pulsation module acts as an intermediary between the central air supply system and the air cushion. It receives pressurized air from the central system and transforms it into high-frequency pulsations that are then transmitted to the air cushion, thereby achieving high vibration frequencies without requiring the central system to directly generate them.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the air supply system directly generates pulsations, then the system is integrated and simple, but the pulsation control flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply function and pulsation generation function are segmented into separate modules. The central air supply system handles only pressurization, while individual pulsation modules handle frequency and phase control for each air cushion. This segmentation enables independent control of pulsation parameters without requiring complex integration in the central system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, centralized control architecture to a dynamic, decentralized control architecture. Each pulsation module can independently adjust its pulsation frequency and phase according to different massage requirements, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining system simplicity through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the generation of high-frequency vibrations (up to 100 Hz) without relying on the air supply system, providing a more effective and comfortable massage experience by allowing variable control of pulsation frequencies and phases, enhancing the overall performance of air cushion assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating element for transmitting a mechanical motion to the pneumatic element for changing the volume of the pneumatic element in order to generate a pulsation
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic element which is connected in a pressure-equalized manner to at least one supply line
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsation module for an cushion assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, including at least an air cushion and an air supply system for variably pressurizing the air cushions of the air cushion assembly with air. A respective supply line including a valve for pneumatically separating the air supply system from the air cushion leads from the air supply system to each air cushion, where a pulsation module is provided and configured to act upon each air cushion with a pulsation. The pulsation module includes a pneumatic element which is connected in a pressure-equalized manner to at least one supply line, and an actuating element for transmitting a mechanical motion to the pneumatic element for changing the volume of the pneumatic element in order to generate a pulsation.